The oil and gas industry in the UK has made significant strides in reducing its emissions, with greenhouse gas emissions falling by 28% since 2018. This progress has been lauded as the sector has achieved its 2027 emissions target of a 25% reduction four years ahead of schedule, according to a report by industry body Offshore Energies UK (OEUK).
Methane emissions from the sector have also seen a dramatic decline, plunging by 53% over the same period and achieving its 2030 target of halving methane emissions seven years early. Under the North Sea Transition Deal, the industry is committed to further reductions in emissions against a 2018 baseline, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2030 with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
These targets specifically focus on “upstream” emissions from oil and gas production and do not include emissions generated from the burning of fossil fuels once they enter use. Mark Wilson, HSE & operations director at OEUK, commended the efforts of the industry and the supply chain in reducing emissions while scaling up renewable energy sources.
Wilson emphasized the importance of utilizing domestic oil and gas supplies to ensure energy security and reduce the carbon footprint associated with importing energy sources. He highlighted the financial, environmental, and social benefits of sourcing energy locally, emphasizing the need for supportive policies and new investments to facilitate the energy transition without compromising energy security.
The OEUK report attributed nearly 70% of the reduction in emissions to improvements made by offshore facility operators. These improvements included modifications to power systems for extracting oil and gas from deep seabed reservoirs, as well as the implementation of new systems to capture unused gas previously burned off for safety reasons.
Emissions from flaring and venting processes, which have historically contributed to environmental concerns, have also decreased by more than half (52%) in the past five years. While these reductions are significant, some advocacy groups like Uplift have criticized the industry for setting weak emission reduction targets and failing to address long-term climate goals.
Tessa Khan from Uplift expressed skepticism about the industry’s commitment to emission reductions, suggesting that the short-term targets were insufficient to drive meaningful change. She raised concerns about the industry’s future emission reduction targets and their alignment with the UK’s climate plans, cautioning against allowing the industry to continue drilling without stringent environmental safeguards.
Despite these criticisms, OEUK highlighted the potential of the North Sea to unlock significant reserves of domestic oil and gas, equivalent to 13.5 billion barrels. Securing a continued supply of “homegrown” energy is seen as vital for supporting the transition to renewable energy sources such as wind and hydrogen by sustaining the energy supply chain.
OEUK underscored the importance of unlocking private investment in domestic energy sources to protect jobs, generate revenue for the Treasury, and reduce the UK’s dependence on energy imports from overseas. By promoting a balanced approach that leverages both traditional and renewable energy sources, the industry aims to safeguard its future while contributing to the UK’s climate goals.
In conclusion, the oil and gas industry in the UK has made significant progress in reducing emissions, meeting and exceeding targets ahead of schedule. While challenges remain in aligning industry practices with long-term climate objectives, continued investment and innovation will be essential in driving the transition to a more sustainable energy future.